Ruiz reinstated for series finale vs. Mets

By Jay Greenberg / Special to MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Opening Day for Carlos Ruiz happened 26 games after it did for the rest of the Phillies, but it was opening day regardless.

"I am really happy to be here -- it's a nice, nice feeling," said the catcher in the dugout Sunday morning before his return from a 25-game suspension for testing positive for using an amphetamine. "I am putting everything behind me.

"This wasn't like being injured, it was completely different. I watched a lot of games, and it was hard for me because I would like to be here and I can't do anything because I was under suspension."

Ruiz, who was permitted five rehab games, played two at Class A Clearwater and two at Double-A Reading on Friday and Saturday nights. He hit a cumulative .143 with a homer and three RBIs in the four games.

"They throw a lot of strikes in Double-A compared to extended spring training," Ruiz said. "Extended spring, you face a lot of kids and you don't feel comfortable at home plate.

"See the ball, swing, use the middle of the field -- that's what I always try to do, The last two games I feel great, and that's very important for me."

Likewise is his return for the Phillies. Catchers Erik Kratz and Humberto Quintero hit a combined .209 with two home runs and nine RBIs in the absence of a 2012 All Star. Quintero was designated for assignment to make room for the 34-year-old Ruiz.